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		<title>RCB Edge MI by 18 Runs in a High-Scoring IPL 2026 Thriller at Wankhede</title>
		<link>https://sports.kolkata24x7.in/cricket/rcb-edge-mi-by-18-runs-in-a-high-scoring-ipl-2026-thriller-at-wankhede/872/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Rana Das]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 18:39:04 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Cricket]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Breaking News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indian Cricket]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indian cricket news]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[IPL 2026]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MI]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RCB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sports News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://sports.kolkata24x7.in/?p=872</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Mumbai, April 12: Royal Challengers Bengaluru delivered a powerful all-round show to beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs in a run-fest at the Wankhede Stadium&#8230; ]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Mumbai, April 12:</strong> Royal Challengers Bengaluru delivered a powerful all-round show to beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs in a run-fest at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Read Bengali: <a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://kolkata24x7.in/sports-news/ipl-2026-rcb-beat-mumbai-indians-by-18-runs-match-report/">IPL 2026: আইপিএলে দাপট আরসিবির, ঘরের মাঠে ১৮ রানে হার মুম্বাই</a></span></strong></span></p>
<p>Batting first after being asked to set a total, RCB posted a massive 240/4 in 20 overs. The innings was powered by explosive knocks from Phil Salt (78 off 36 balls), Virat Kohli (50), and skipper Rajat Patidar, who blasted 53 off just 20 deliveries. Tim David provided the perfect finishing touch with an unbeaten 34 as RCB crossed the 240-mark.</p>
<p>In reply, MI started with intent but kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Ryan Rickelton and Suryakumar Yadav got decent starts, while Hardik Pandya chipped in with a quick 40. However, the real fight came from Sherfane Rutherford, who remained unbeaten on 71 and kept the chase alive till the very end.</p>
<p>Despite a late flourish, the asking rate kept climbing, and RCB’s bowlers held their nerve in the death overs. MI finished at 222/5, falling 18 runs short in what turned out to be a record-breaking high-scoring encounter (total aggregate 462 runs).</p>
<p>This victory highlighted RCB’s strong batting depth and composure under pressure. For MI, it’s another disappointing result as they continue to search for consistency in the season.</p>
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		<title>Sanju Samson’s Blistering Century Powers CSK to First IPL 2026 Win, Beat DC by 23 Runs</title>
		<link>https://sports.kolkata24x7.in/cricket/sanju-samsons-blistering-century-powers-csk-to-first-ipl-2026-win-beat-dc-by-23-runs/859/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Rana Das]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 18:34:57 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Cricket]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Breaking News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cricket news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CSK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indian Cricket]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indian cricket news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IPL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IPL 2026]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sanju Samson]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://sports.kolkata24x7.in/?p=859</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Chennai: Sanju Samson finally lit up the yellow jersey in style! The Kerala star smashed a sensational unbeaten 115 off just 56 balls , his&#8230; ]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Chennai:</strong> Sanju Samson finally lit up the yellow jersey in style! The Kerala star smashed a sensational unbeaten 115 off just 56 balls , his maiden century for Chennai Super Kings, as CSK posted a commanding 212/2 and then defended it brilliantly to register their first victory of IPL 2026, beating Delhi Capitals by 23 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk on Saturday.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Read Bengali: <a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://kolkata24x7.in/sports-news/csk-beat-dc-first-win-ipl-2026-sanju-samson-century/">IPL: দিল্লির বিরুদ্ধে মরসুমের প্রথম জয় চেন্নাইয়ের, ফর্মে ফিরলেন সঞ্জু স্যামসন</a></span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Opting to bat first, CSK got off to a slow start with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad struggling for timing (15 off 18). But Samson took charge, maintaining an aggressive tempo throughout and finding the perfect partner in young Ayush Mhatre, who chipped in with a fluent 59. The duo added 113 runs for the second wicket. In the end, Shivam Dube came in as a finisher (20 off 10) after Mhatre was retired out, helping push the total past 210.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In reply, Delhi Capitals began brightly with Pathum Nissanka racing to 41 off 24, but CSK’s pace attack soon took control. Anshul Kamboj, Jamie Overton, Khaleel Ahmed, and debutant Gurjapneet Singh each picked up key top-order wickets. Gurjapneet made an instant impact, dismissing DC captain Axar Patel with his very first ball in IPL.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The middle overs belonged to Jamie Overton, whose fiery spell of 4/18 choked the life out of DC’s chase. Tristan Stubbs fought hard with a valiant 60 off 38, and a brief partnership with Ashutosh Sharma kept hopes alive, but once Noor Ahmad broke that stand, the innings crumbled. Overton had the final say in a heated 19th over, dismissing a frustrated Stubbs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Kamboj (3/35) wrapped up the tail efficiently as DC were bowled out for 189 in the final over.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It was a much-needed boost for the five-time champions, who had endured a slow start to the season. Samson’s explosive knock, combined with smart bowling variations on a tricky Chepauk surface, proved decisive.</p>
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		<title>Shreyas Iyer Stars with Bat and Brain as Punjab Kings Clinch Thrilling 6-Wicket Win Over SRH</title>
		<link>https://sports.kolkata24x7.in/cricket/shreyas-iyer-stars-with-bat-and-brain-as-punjab-kings-clinch-thrilling-6-wicket-win-over-srh/848/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Rana Das]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 14:47:38 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Cricket]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Breaking News]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Indian cricket news]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[IPL 2026]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shreyas Iyer]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://sports.kolkata24x7.in/?p=848</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Shreyas Iyer once again showed why he’s the perfect leader for Punjab Kings, smashing an unbeaten 69 off just 33 balls to guide his team&#8230; ]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Shreyas Iyer once again showed why he’s the perfect leader for Punjab Kings, smashing an unbeaten 69 off just 33 balls to guide his team to a comfortable six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026 on Saturday.</p>
<p><strong>Read Bengali: <a href="https://kolkata24x7.in/sports-news/pbks-beat-srh-high-scoring-thriller-ipl-2026-match-report/">PBKS vs SRH: পাঞ্জাবের আক্রমণে জলে গেল হায়দ্রাবাদের পরিশ্রম</a></strong></p>
<p>Chasing a stiff target of 220, PBKS got off to a flying start with Priyansh Arya (57 off 20) and Prabhsimran Singh (51 off 25) blasting a sensational 99-run opening stand. The duo tore into the SRH attack during the powerplay, reaching 93 without loss and setting the perfect platform.</p>
<p>Abhishek Sharma had earlier lit up the game with a brutal 74 off 28 balls (including eight sixes), adding 120 runs with Travis Head (38 off 23) in just 8.1 overs to power SRH to 219/6. However, Shashank Singh’s double strike in one over shifted the momentum, and Xavier Bartlett kept things tight at the death with a brilliant final over.</p>
<p>In the chase, Priyansh raced to a 16-ball fifty with some clean hitting, while Prabhsimran danced down the track to smack big sixes. Though Shivang Kumar picked three wickets to raise SRH’s hopes, Shreyas Iyer stayed calm and finished the job in style with seven balls to spare.</p>
<p>The win was built on smart captaincy too — Shreyas cleverly used Shashank Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal to break the explosive SRH opening stand when the pacers were being hammered.</p>
<p>A complete team performance, led from the front by their skipper! <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f525.png" alt="🔥" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
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		<title>Virat Kohli Praises Vaibhav Sooryavanshi After Explosive Knock Against RCB</title>
		<link>https://sports.kolkata24x7.in/cricket/virat-kohli-praises-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-after-explosive-knock-against-rcb/844/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Rana Das]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 08:24:55 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Cricket]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Breaking News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IPL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IPL 2026]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RR vs RCB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vaibhav Sooryavanshi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Virat Kohli]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://sports.kolkata24x7.in/?p=844</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Virat Kohli&#8217;s heartwarming gesture towards 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after his explosive knock against RCB has taken social media by storm. The young Rajasthan Royals sensation&#8230; ]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Virat Kohli&#8217;s heartwarming gesture towards 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after his explosive knock against RCB has taken social media by storm.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The young Rajasthan Royals sensation was absolutely unstoppable, smashing a breathtaking 78 off just 26 balls to help his team chase down 203 with ease and secure a six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026. His fiery innings, packed with eight fours and seven sixes, not only powered RR to a comfortable win but also earned him the coveted Orange Cap for the tournament.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Read Bengali : <a href="https://kolkata24x7.in/sports-news/vaibhav-sooryavanshi-ipl-2026-youngest-sensation-rising-star/">আইপিএলের বিস্ময় বালক বৈভব সূর্যবংশী</a></span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Virat Kohli, who witnessed the youngster&#8217;s carnage up close, made sure to show some love after the match. Sooryavanshi approached Kohli for an autograph, and the RCB star happily signed his Rajasthan Royals cap with a personal message: “Dear Vaibhav, well done.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag also had nothing but praise for the teenager, describing him as a bundle of joy that everyone in the team adores.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&#8220;Everyone loves him. Everyone loves having him around,&#8221; Parag said during the post-match presentation. &#8220;He’s a fun-loving kid who enjoys eating out and doing all the typical 15-16-year-old stuff. As long as he keeps batting like this, we make sure he gets whatever he wants!&#8221;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With 200 runs in just four matches, including this match-winning 78, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has announced himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the IPL.</p>
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		<title>IPL 2026 : Political Party Issues Strong Warning to Bollywood ‘Badshah’ Over Mustafizur Issue</title>
		<link>https://sports.kolkata24x7.in/uncategorized/mustafizur-rahman-ipl-2026-row-political-warning-to-shah-rukh-khan-kkr/748/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Subhasish Ghosh]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 11:21:15 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Cricket]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bangladesh]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[IPL 2026]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IPL Controversy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[KKR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kolkata Knight Riders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mustafizur Rahman]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shah Rukh Khan]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://sportz.kolkata24x7.in/?p=748</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Even before the start of the IPL 2026 season, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have found themselves at the center of a fresh controversy. In this&#8230; ]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Even before the start of the IPL 2026 season, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have found themselves at the center of a fresh controversy. In this year’s auction, the Shah Rukh Khan–owned franchise signed Bangladesh star pacer Mustafizur Rahman for a record ₹9.20 crore the highest amount ever paid for a Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history. However, instead of remaining limited to cricketing discussions, the deal has sparked major political and social debate.</p>
<h4 class="entry-title" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://kolkata24x7.in/sports-news/cricket/ipl-2026-mustafizur-rahman-kkr-controversy-2/"><strong>মুস্তাফিজুর ইস্যুতে বলিউড বাদশাকে বিরাট সতর্কবার্তা এই রাজনৈতিক দলের</strong></a></span></h4>
<div class="td-module-meta-info"> </div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In recent times, allegations of persecution of minorities in Bangladesh have triggered anger among sections of the Indian public. Against this backdrop, some political leaders have demanded that Bangladeshi cricketers should not be allowed to play in the IPL. As a result, KKR and its owner Shah Rukh Khan have been directly dragged into the controversy.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam, speaking to news agency ANI, effectively issued a “warning” to Shah Rukh Khan. He stated that in the current situation, anyone associated with Bangladeshi citizens could become a target of public anger. He said,<br />
“When the entire country is angry over the Bangladesh issue, if Shah Rukh Khan has a Bangladeshi player in his team, he could become a major target. We request, for his own good and in the interest of India, that the player be dropped from the team.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Taking an even tougher stance, Shiv Sena spokesperson Anand Dubey called for a complete ban. Speaking to ANI, he said,<br />
“Pakistani and Bangladeshi players should not be allowed to play in the IPL on Indian soil. If Mustafizur is not dropped from KKR despite so much controversy, it will prove that Shah Rukh Khan does not understand the importance of public sentiment in the country.”</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, a section of the cricketing community believes that the IPL is a sporting competition where player selection should be based on performance and skill, not political tensions. Mustafizur Rahman is well known in international cricket for his deceptive cutters and effectiveness in death overs, which is precisely why KKR invested such a large amount in him, according to cricket analysts.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As of now, neither KKR management nor Shah Rukh Khan has issued any official response. The question remains—will cricket be able to withstand political pressure, or will off-field controversies decide Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL future?</p>
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		<title>IPL 2026: Record Auction Price, but Uncertainty Looms Over This Knight!</title>
		<link>https://sports.kolkata24x7.in/cricket/mustafizur-rahman-kkr-availability-ipl-2026-amid-bangladesh-new-zealand-series/739/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Subhasish Ghosh]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:31:03 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Cricket]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Breaking News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cricket]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[IPL 2026]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[KKR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kolkata Knight Riders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mustafizur Rahman]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sports News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://sportz.kolkata24x7.in/?p=739</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Kolkata Knight Riders created history at the IPL 2026 auction. Shah Rukh Khan’s franchise spent a massive ₹9.20 crore to sign Bangladesh’s star left-arm pacer&#8230; ]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Kolkata Knight Riders created history at the IPL 2026 auction. Shah Rukh Khan’s franchise spent a massive ₹9.20 crore to sign Bangladesh’s star left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman. However, despite the huge investment, questions have already arisen: will KKR get Mustafizur for the entire season?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The concern stems from Bangladesh’s international commitments during the IPL window. In April, Bangladesh are scheduled to play a limited-overs series against New Zealand, featuring both ODIs and T20Is. While Mustafizur is no longer a regular in the ODI setup, he remains a key figure in Bangladesh’s T20 squad. If he is selected, KKR may have to release him for a few matches midway through the IPL.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The IPL 2026 season will run from March 26 to May 31. The Bangladesh–New Zealand T20 series is likely to take place between April 16 and April 23. If Mustafizur is called up during this period, securing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Bangladesh Cricket Board could become complicated, potentially disrupting KKR’s plans.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Notably, this is the highest-ever auction price paid for a Bangladeshi cricketer in IPL history. Mustafizur is also set to be the only Bangladeshi player in IPL 2026, as Taskin Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, and Tanzim Hasan Shakib went unsold at the auction.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This will be the first time Mustafizur wears the KKR jersey. To secure his services, KKR had to outbid Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings—both teams he has represented in the past. His proven IPL track record is what makes him such a valuable asset for the Knight Riders.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Mustafizur made a sensational IPL debut in 2016, winning the Emerging Player of the Year award in his very first season. So far, he has taken 65 wickets in 60 IPL matches. Across all T20 cricket, he has played 308 matches and claimed 387 wickets.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In the end, the big question remains: if national duty pulls him away midway, will KKR’s ₹9.20 crore gamble be put at risk? Or will Mustafizur silence all speculation and set the IPL on fire in Kolkata colors throughout the season? Only time will tell.</p>
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		<title>IPL 2026: Former Knight Rider Sees 70% Pay Cut, Joins RCB</title>
		<link>https://sports.kolkata24x7.in/cricket/venkatesh-iyer-joins-rcb-70-percent-pay-cut-ipl-2026-auction-news/732/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Subhasish Ghosh]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:22:13 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Cricket]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Breaking News]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[KKR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RCB]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Venkatesh Iyer]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://sportz.kolkata24x7.in/?p=732</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The IPL 2026 mini-auction once again proved that in cricket, “prices are never permanent.” Venkatesh Iyer, who was a ₹23.75 crore player for Kolkata Knight&#8230; ]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">The IPL 2026 mini-auction once again proved that in cricket, “prices are never permanent.” Venkatesh Iyer, who was a ₹23.75 crore player for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) last season, has now joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for just ₹7 crore. In other words, the Indian pinch-hitter accepted a nearly 70% pay cut to take a fresh opportunity in a new team.</p>
<h5 class="entry-title" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://kolkata24x7.in/sports-news/cricket/venkatesh-iyer-joins-rcb-70-percent-salary-cut-ipl-2026/"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>নিলামের ৭০ শতাংশ বেতন কমল নাইটদের এই প্রাক্তন ক্রিকেটারের</strong></span></a></h5>
<div class="td-module-meta-info"> </div>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Last season, Iyer struggled to live up to expectations. Playing 11 matches for KKR, he scored just 142 runs, with minimal impact in both batting and bowling. The hefty price tag appeared to weigh him down, resulting in a disappointing 2025 campaign.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, in 2024, Iyer had been a key player in KKR’s title-winning season, scoring 370 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 159. That performance laid the foundation for him to press the “reset” button for the new season.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">During the auction, KKR did not completely let go of Iyer. A bidding battle with RCB went up to ₹6.8 crore. But after spending ₹25.2 crore on Cameron Green, Kolkata were unwilling to push further. Finally, RCB snapped him up for ₹7 crore. With a new team, a defined role, and less financial pressure, this move could work in Iyer’s favour.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The IPL 2026 auction also delivered a shock for South African veteran David Miller, whose value dropped from ₹7.5 crore last season to just ₹2 crore with Delhi Capitals.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There were also some bargain deals at base price: England’s Ben Duckett was signed for ₹2 crore, Wanindu Hasaranga also for ₹2 crore, while Mumbai Indians brought back Quinton de Kock for just ₹1 crore.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Interestingly, several big names including Liam Livingstone, Rachin Ravindra, Jamie Smith, Prithvi Shaw, and Sarfaraz Khan went unsold in the first round, but teams later included them strategically according to squad requirements.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Overall, the IPL 2026 auction reaffirmed that form and team roles outweigh price tags. Venkatesh Iyer’s journey to RCB is not just a transfer—it’s an opportunity to prove himself all over again.</p>
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		<title>IPL 2026: Opposing Bowlers Will Be Shaking in Fear! KKR Snaps Up This Kiwi Star</title>
		<link>https://sports.kolkata24x7.in/cricket/new-zealand-t20-star-finn-allen-joins-kkr-ipl-2026-auction/725/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Subhasish Ghosh]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2025 10:41:34 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Cricket]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Breaking News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cricket]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cricket news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Finn Allen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indian cricket news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IPL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IPL 2026]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IPL 2026 Auction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[KKR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kolkata Knight Riders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sports News]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://sportz.kolkata24x7.in/?p=725</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[In the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made a surprising move despite a limited budget. From the list of capped wicketkeepers, the team&#8230; ]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">In the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made a surprising move despite a limited budget. From the list of capped wicketkeepers, the team picked New Zealand’s destructive batter Finn Allen for a base price of just ₹2 crore. With no major bidding wars, the Knight Riders secured him easily. The big question now—will Finn Allen get the opportunity to play this time?</p>
<h5 class="entry-title" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://kolkata24x7.in/sports-news/cricket/new-zealand-cricketer-finn-allen-joins-kkr-ipl-2026-auction/"><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>বিপক্ষের বোলাররা ভয়ে কাঁপবেন! নিলামে এই কিউই তারকাকে নিল KKR</strong></span></a></h5>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Although Finn Allen is a familiar name on the international stage, he hasn’t yet made a significant impact in the IPL. In the 2021 season, he joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as a replacement for Josh Philippe, earning ₹20 lakh. In the following auction, RCB picked him again for ₹80 lakh, but he didn’t play a single match, spending the season as a reserve keeper.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Outside the IPL, Finn Allen has made a mark in global franchise leagues. At just 26, he is considered one of the most destructive T20 openers in the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This signing is crucial for KKR. In recent seasons, the team has struggled to find consistent success with foreign wicketkeeper-batters. Even with Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the squad, runs haven’t flowed consistently. Early runs at the top of the order have been a challenge in T20 cricket, and Finn Allen is expected to fill that gap for the Knight Riders.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Finn Allen’s greatest strength is his attacking mindset from the very first ball. He is equally comfortable against both spin and pace, as reflected in his T20 strike rate. Across international and franchise cricket, he consistently bats at over a 170 strike rate.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">His exploits in Major League Cricket have drawn global attention. He has played in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons, scoring 333, 306, and 75 runs respectively. In his first season, his strike rate exceeded 225, showcasing his aggressive approach.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For New Zealand, Finn Allen has played 52 T20 internationals, scoring 1,285 runs with a highest of 137 and an average of 25.19. Across all franchise T20 leagues outside international cricket, he has played 162 matches, accumulating 4,431 runs with a highest score of 151.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If he can maintain this form in the KKR jersey, it will provide a significant boost to the team’s batting lineup. Kolkata fans are eagerly waiting to witness Finn Allen unleash a storm of sixes at Eden Gardens.</p>
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		<title>IPL 2026: Shah Rukh Khan’s Team Targets These 5 Players in the Auction!</title>
		<link>https://sports.kolkata24x7.in/cricket/kkr-ipl-2026-auction-targets-cameron-green-to-venkatesh-iyer/723/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Subhasish Ghosh]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:55:55 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Cricket]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Breaking News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cameron Green]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cricket]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cricket news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indian cricket news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indian cricket team]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indian Premier League]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IPL]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IPL 2026]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IPL 2026 Auction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jacob Duffy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jamie Smith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[KKR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kolkata Knight Riders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prithvi Shaw]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sports News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Venkatesh Iyer]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://sportz.kolkata24x7.in/?p=723</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to spend big in the IPL 2026 auction. The team has already released some major names, including Quinton de&#8230; ]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to spend big in the IPL 2026 auction. The team has already released some major names, including Quinton de Kock and Venkatesh Iyer. Additionally, Andre Russell has retired. Now, the Knight Riders are eyeing five potential players who could strengthen the squad.</p>
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<h1 class="tdb-title-text" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://kolkata24x7.in/sports-news/cricket/ipl-2026-auction-kkr-targets-5-cricketers/"><span style="font-size: 18pt; color: #ff0000;"><strong>নিলামে এই পাঁচ তারকাকে টার্গেট শাহরুখের দলের!</strong></span></a></h1>
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<h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>1. Cameron Green</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Australian all-rounder is KKR’s top choice. With Russell retired and Iyer released, the team needs a pace-bowling all-rounder like Green. In IPL matches, he has already showcased his talent with 707 runs and 16 wickets in 29 games. The auction for him is expected to be competitive, and he could even become one of the most expensive players in history.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>2. Jamie Smith</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This English batsman can bat at any position. He can open, form a partnership with Narine, or finish matches. Additionally, he could solve KKR’s wicketkeeping issue, as de Kock and Rishabh Gurunath have been released. Jamie Smith has already scored 130 runs in 5 T20 matches at a strike rate of 194.02.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>3. Jacob Duffy</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Duffy could be an ideal choice to strengthen KKR’s pace attack, especially in death overs. The New Zealand bowler has taken 53 wickets in 38 T20 matches. After Russell’s retirement, he could become KKR’s main weapon in the death overs.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>4. Prithvi Shaw</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">KKR needs a strong Indian opener, and Prithvi Shaw could fill that gap. The Indian batsman has recently shown consistency in domestic cricket. KKR’s head coach Abhishek Nayar has also expressed interest in coaching Shaw. With a base price of just ₹75 lakh, he is an affordable option for the team.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>5. Venkatesh Iyer</strong></h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The team may try to bring him back. Despite being released, Iyer shares a good relationship with KKR. He could be valuable as a future captain. Iyer’s interest in the team is clear, so a reunion in the auction is possible.</p>
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		<title>IPL 2026: Which Players Will Shah Rukh’s Team Target at the Auction?</title>
		<link>https://sports.kolkata24x7.in/cricket/ipl-2026-kkr-auction-targets-abhishek-nayar-rebuild-strategy-saba-karim-insight/701/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Subhasish Ghosh]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:04:09 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Cricket]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Abhishek Nayar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Breaking News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cricket]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cricket news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indian cricket news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indian sports news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IPL 2026]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IPL 2026 Auction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IPL Mini Auction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[KKR]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kolkata Knight Riders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shah Rukh Khan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sports News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Venkatesh Iyer]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://sportz.kolkata24x7.in/?p=701</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The grand stage of the IPL 2026 auction is set to take place on 16 December in Saudi Arabia. All ten teams will have their&#8230; ]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The grand stage of the IPL 2026 auction is set to take place on 16 December in Saudi Arabia. All ten teams will have their eyes on star cricketers, but naturally, the spotlight is on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Why? Because Shah Rukh Khan’s franchise is entering the auction with the highest purse ₹64.30 crore. And behind this massive financial manoeuvre lies the strategic shift introduced by their new coach, Abhishek Nayar.</p>
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<h4 class="tdb-title-text"><a href="https://kolkata24x7.in/sports-news/cricket/ipl-2026-kkr-auction-strategy-abhishek-nayar-new-beginning/"><strong>নিলামে কাদের দিকে নজর শাহরুখের দলের? ফাঁস প্রাক্তন ভারতীয় ক্রিকেটারের!</strong></a></h4>
<h3><strong>Nayar’s Mindset: Build a New Team From Scratch</strong></h3>
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<p>KKR’s list of retained players shows Nayar’s clear intention—he is walking the path of rebuilding the team. Players like Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer, once match-winners for the Knights, delivered disappointing performances in recent seasons. Their expensive contracts further burdened the team.</p>
<p>So, Nayar decided to “shed the weight of the past,” allowing KKR: greater freedom in team construction, more cash in the bank, and room to adopt an aggressive auction strategy.</p>
<h3><strong>Nayar’s Experiment in Women’s Premier League</strong></h3>
<p>Just before the IPL auction, Nayar worked as head coach of UP Warriorz at the Women’s Premier League auction. He released almost the entire squad and rebuilt a strong team from scratch.</p>
<p>The message is clear—he is likely to apply the same formula at KKR.</p>
<p>“Nayar Always Wants a Fresh Start,” Says Saba Karim On JioHotstar, former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim commented: “Abhishek always prefers to start afresh. We will see the same at KKR. He knows exactly which players can make him a champion. He may not go after big names, but he will target effective players.”</p>
<p>Karim believes that KKR’s “cut-and-rebuild approach” has already secured Nayar’s position strongly within the franchise. With a huge budget and a clean slate, the focus will now be on picking the right cricketers.</p>
<h3><strong>Will Venkatesh Iyer Return to KKR?</strong></h3>
<p>Karim hinted that KKR may correct their past mistake of buying Venkatesh Iyer for a massive ₹23.75 crore.</p>
<p>He said: “There won’t be much competition for Venkatesh this time. So KKR might bring him back at a much lower price.”</p>
<h3><strong>Who Will KKR Target?</strong></h3>
<p>KKR’s key priorities at the IPL 2026 auction may include:</p>
<p>a reliable finisher</p>
<p>a steady middle-order batter</p>
<p>a fast, express-pace bowler</p>
<p>a death-overs specialist</p>
<p>promising young Indian talents</p>
<p>With a fresh strategy and a huge budget, experts believe KKR will be one of the most aggressive teams at the IPL 2026 auction.</p>
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